WWE Wrestlemania 27: Vladimir Kozlov "injured" at Axxess, Kingston to Replace?

According to WWE.com, this morning at WWE fan Axxess, Vladimir Kozlov was victorious in a match against Tyler Reks.

After the contest, The Corre viciously attacked Kozlov. The report cites an injured left shoulder, the result of Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett and company holding the Russian sambo champion against the steel post and crushing his shoulder with the steel ring steps.

The WWE.com report goes on to question whether or not Kozlov will be in any condition to compete in the eight-man tag team match scheduled for WrestleMania 27. Vladimir would have teamed with his tag team championship-winning partner Santino Marella, the Big Show, and Kane to meet Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, and Ezekiel Jackson.

If Kozlov cannot compete, and a replacement Superstar is necessary, former Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston is the most viable candidate.

For weeks, many have questioned the decision not to have Kofi Kingston on the WrestleMania card. One of the most popular stars on either the Raw or Smackdown brand, Kingston was positioned as a featured player on Smackdown for the majority of 2010. He was an Intercontinental Champion twice and had memorable feuds with Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, also conspicuous by his absence at this year's event.

Since his on-air rivalry with Alberto Del Rio wrapped up at Elimination Chamber, Kofi has been placed on the back burner in favor of pushing other stars heading into 'Mania. Two weeks ago, he suffered a defeat at the hands of Wade Barrett, one that cost him the Intercontinental Championship. Rumors persisted Kingston, along with Christian, would join Big Show and Kane for the tag match against the Corre. When Santino Marella and Kozlov were added instead, chances that Kofi would have his moment at WrestleMania 27 looked nonexistent.

Now, with Kingston poised to take Kozlov's spot in the eight-man tag match, he must perform at a level that will reaffirm why Vince McMahon and his company were so willing to push him in the first place. He must remind those in power why he is a valuable part of the company. And most importantly, he must work harder than ever in the coming year to make sure he never again has to wait until the Saturday before the show to take his place on the WrestleMania card.

According to WWE's official Facebook page, Kingston replacing Kozlov has been made official.